Old Trafford Remontada: A Night for the Forgotten Veterans
April 17, 2025 — a night Manchester United fans will never forget. The Red Devils booked their spot in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals and made history by becoming the first team in European competition to score two goals in the 120th minute.
In terms of records, the match also became the first major European fixture to witness five goals in extra time. Manchester United fans have long reminisced about “Fergie Time”, but now, they may just have to make room for “Amorim Time.” It wasn’t just manager Ruben Amorim who was left speechless, but the entire fanbase, inside Old Trafford and worldwide.
From Heartbreaks to Heroics
Leaving fans speechless has, unfortunately, become the norm at Old Trafford in recent years, though usually for the wrong reasons. From humiliating defeats to inconsistency and underperforming big-name signings, the club had lost much of its fear factor.
That’s why criticism directed at players like Casemiro and Harry Maguire has often been harsh but understandable. Whether due to injuries or a lack of leadership on the pitch, expectations weren’t being met, and the pressure was mounting.
Casemiro’s Redemption Arc
Casemiro, signed from Real Madrid nearly four seasons ago, was brought in to stabilize a midfield lacking grit and guidance. Early signs were promising as he delivered consistent, high-level performances, helping United to domestic cup success under Erik ten Hag.
But the following season, which was supposed to be the club’s leap toward the Premier League and European glory, turned into a disappointment. Casemiro, who was once a dominant midfield force, began to look fatigued, out of sync, and ineffective. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher even suggested he should leave the Premier League, arguing he could no longer compete at the top level.
Also Read: Most Goals and Assists in a Premier League Season
Fast forward to April 2025, and Casemiro is silencing critics. In the comeback win over Lyon, his performance was a throwback to his best. He completed 55 accurate passes, more than any other United player. Only Leny Yoro had more clearances, and only Maguire had more blocked shots.
While Harry Maguire grabbed the winning goal, it was Casemiro’s two assists, rolling back the years, that deserve the headlines. A player once written off by many of his own supporters has emerged as one of Amorim’s key men.
The Resurrection of Harry Maguire
Maguire’s journey has been even more dramatic. His criticism peaked in 2022, when Ghanaian MP Isaac Adongo famously compared him to Ghana’s struggling economy. His name became a global meme.
Once a highly sought-after center back, Maguire joined United for a record £80 million in 2019, a price tag that became an emotional weight. The captain’s armband, handed to him by Ole Gunnar Solskjae,r only intensified the pressure.
Mistakes followed. So did controversy, like the vacation incident in Greece that made headlines for all the wrong reasons.
By the time Ten Hag departed in 2024, Maguire had slipped to fifth choice in the center-back pecking order. He was mocked relentlessly, his confidence shattered.
And yet, here he is.
In the 121st minute, with United’s hopes hanging by a thread, Maguire — of all people — delivered the winning goal that secured a 5-4 win on the night, 7-6 on aggregate. It was poetic.
In 2023, the same Ghanaian MP who mocked him would issue a public apology, which Maguire accepted with grace, even inviting him to a game. It speaks volumes about the character of a man who has endured more than most.
At the start of the season, Maguire looked destined for West Ham. He stayed. He fought. And he proved every doubter wrong.
With United now thriving under Amorim and playing a back-three, Maguire has earned his place. Whether starting or off the bench, he has become a dependable leader in a young, evolving squad.
And now, as the only comeback kings left in the Europa League, Manchester United have sent a loud, resounding message:
They are not finished yet.
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